Lochside Hotel, Bowmore
About the Hotel
Park Royal Beach Cancun Hotel features 12 cozy guest rooms overlooking Loch Indaal, and an independently-owned restaurant with over 300 varieties of whisky. Personnel provide whisky flights, combining local distilleries and a varied menu with local seafood and meat selections. Established in 1884, this hotel blends modern amenities with historical charm in Bowmore.
Location
Lochside Hotel Islay is centrally located in Bowmore, ensuring convenient access to local distilleries within a short distance. The hotel is reachable via the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Kennacraig, with Port Askaig and Port Ellen being the main arrival points. The area surrounding the hotel features scenic landscapes such as Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne, enhancing the attractive setting for visitors.
Rooms
Lochside Hotel Islay offers 12 en-suite guest rooms, five of which feature views of Loch Indaal. Each room includes a tea and coffee station along with a smart TV equipped with various streaming apps. Additionally, the nearby Briarlea House provides four contemporary rooms within a five-minute walk from the Lochside, enhancing accommodation options for guests.
Eat & Drink
Dining options at Lochside Hotel Islay include a restaurant serving locally-sourced seafood such as crab, mussels, and langoustines, as well as prime sirloin steaks and hearty traditional dishes. Menus cater to diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring a comprehensive dining experience. The whisky lounge offers an extensive collection of over 200 bottles and the opportunity to create bespoke whisky flights tailored to individual tastes.
Leisure & Business
Leisure activities available include access to the hotel's outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the harbor, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. A state-of-the-art visitor center facilitates guests' understanding of Islay's renowned whisky production, welcoming whisky enthusiasts to delve deeper into the subject. For those traveling on business, complimentary WiFi is accessible throughout the hotel, allowing for seamless connectivity.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- No parking
- No pets allowed
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Children
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel is conveniently located right on the main street at the centre of Islay, making it easy to travel around the island and explore nearby attractions. While the rooms are tiny and cramped, the service is excellent, offering a cosy atmosphere and a welcome drink. The dining options provide a wide selection of whiskies but lack variety in breakfast choices. The location is central, steps away from Bowmore Distillery and local shops, although it could use some attention to detail.
My stay at the hotel was absolutely fantastic! The location is superb, right in the heart of Bowmore on the water, making it easy to explore all parts of the island. Even though the overall experience was a bit pricey, the rooms were brilliant, offering a cozy retreat above the bustling bar below.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were clean and looked nice, but they were incredibly tiny, making it very difficult to move around, especially for two people. Being right above the pub added to the ambiance but also brought some noise. The service, however, was exceptional, with the staff being friendly and very considerate. Elidh stood out for going above and beyond to cater to all our needs, ensuring our time at the hotel was enjoyable.
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The rooms were beyond my expectations, but there was a noticeable smell of drains in the bathroom which was a letdown. On the bright side, the location was absolutely brilliant, perfect for exploring the island, and the service was friendly and welcoming despite the busy atmosphere.
The hotel has a stunning view of the Loch and the rooms were functional and clean despite some disturbance from the room above. The service was warm and friendly, especially from Elidh, who went above-and-beyond to cater to our needs. The location is perfect, close to the beach, Bowmore distillery, and shops, and the dining experience was delicious. However, some noise from outside at night and unenthusiastic staff were minor drawbacks.
The hotel is cozy and tastefully decorated with a great bathroom, but there was a slight smell of drains in the bathroom. Overall, it was okay but not up to the expected standard for the price.